Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program in Anesthesiology/Pediatrics is a pioneering residency opportunity based in Milwaukee, WI. Established in 2013 as the first program of its kind in the Midwest, it offers an integrated curriculum leading to dual board certification in Pediatrics and Anesthesiology over five years1. This dual focus is specifically designed for candidates with aspirations in pediatric critical care medicine and pediatric anesthesiology1. Annually, the program recruits one resident, ensuring personalized and focused training designed to develop leaders in these medical fields1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program's curriculum is systematically interwoven over the five-year duration to foster expertise in both pediatrics and anesthesiology1. Residents spend their first year deeply involved in pediatrics at Children’s Wisconsin, participating in continuity clinics to build foundational pediatric skills1. The second year shifts focus to anesthesiology, fully integrating residents into the Anesthesiology Residency Program to gain comprehensive anesthetic knowledge and experience1.

In the subsequent years, residents alternate in four-week blocks between pediatrics and anesthesiology1. This structure is complemented by ongoing integration through monthly educational days, which amalgamate principles from both specialties to enrich the learning experience and enhance interdisciplinary skills1.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents train at three primary hospitals, each contributing to a broad spectrum of patient care experiences1.

• Children’s Wisconsin: Known for its comprehensive pediatric care, this hospital is a top-ranked facility offering exposure to a diverse range of pediatric conditions and treatments1.

• Froedtert Hospital: This is a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, renowned for its high-ranking medical services, providing residents with intensive exposure to adult anesthesiology and trauma cases1.

• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: Serving as a primary and regional tertiary care center, this facility expands residents' experience with veteran populations, offering insights into both general and specialized medical care within the VA system1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program evaluates applicants through a holistic review process, emphasizing the complete submission of materials via the ERAS system2. Required documents include the ERAS Application Form, Curriculum Vitae, Personal Statement, Photograph, Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE), three Letters of Recommendation, a Transcript, and USMLE or COMLEX results2. While the program doesn’t enforce strict limits on Step 1 or Step 2 CK scores, candidates are encouraged to present a strong overall application showcasing academic and clinical competencies2.

Research Opportunities

The Medical College of Wisconsin prides itself on offering expansive research opportunities. Residents may engage in both basic science and clinical research projects1. These experiences are designed to cultivate a robust academic foundation, with varied research paths available including potential second-year fellowship options in sub-specializations such as cardiac anesthesiology, pain management, or critical care, fostering further expertise and specialization1.

Unique Program Features

This residency program is distinct due to its status as the first integrated Pediatrics and Anesthesiology program in the Midwest1. Its structured, dual-specialization approach prepares residents for leadership roles by combining rigorous clinical training with academic enrichment1. The program's design provides access to a diverse patient population and high case volumes, crucial for developing clinical acumen and leadership skills in these critical areas of medicine1.

Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to residency training, the Medical College of Wisconsin offers fellowship opportunities, particularly in pediatric anesthesiology4. These opportunities allow residents to delve deeper into specialized aspects of their fields, enhancing their qualifications and readiness for advanced clinical roles after residency4. Options for further fellowship training in cardiac anesthesiology, pain management, or critical care are also available, expanding prospects for future career specialization4.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program is committed to nurturing a supportive environment for its residents, emphasizing work-life balance and professional development1. Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural scene, coupled with an accessible lifestyle, enhances the residency experience, providing a pleasant backdrop against which residents can thrive personally and professionally1. The program’s supportive culture aims to foster resilience and well-being, essential for sustaining a demanding career in medicine1.